Friday Job Announcements

To post an open Indian law or leadership job to Turtle Talk, send all of the following information to indigenous@law.msu.edu:

In the email body:

A typed brief description of the position which includes:
Position title
Location (city, state)
Main duties
Closing date
Any other pertinent details, such as a link to the application
An attached PDF job announcement or link to the position description

Environmental Law Institute

Administrative Associate, Research & Policy. Washington D.C. Help fulfill our mission of fostering innovative and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress. Application Deadline: 10/21/2022.

Tohono O’odham Judicial Court

Judge. Sells, AZ. A judge of the Tohono O’odham Nation shall have the duties and powers of the office in accordance with Article VIII of the Constitution of the Tohono O’odham Nation, including but not limited to (1) Hearing and determining, when assigned by the chief judge or the deputy chief judge, any matter arising under the laws and Constitution of the Tohono O’odham Nation and entering an order or judgment in favor of a party and (2) Presiding over criminal cases, including jury or bench trials. Closing Date: Open Until Filled.

National Congress of American Indians and NCAI Fund

General Counsel. Washington, DC. NCAI is a leader in policy surrounding issues that impact tribal governments and individual Indians. The organization provides essential information and education on key policy initiatives, enhances coordination and consultation with tribal governments, and leads efforts to unite tribal advocates to promote progressive, proactive Indian policy. This role includes providing legal counsel to the executive director, board of directors, and other senior management. This position is open until filled.

Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary of the Interior

Program Manager (Senior BSI Project Manager). Remote. Serves as the expert staff authority, principal coordinator, and primary contact for the Boarding School Initiative (BSI) Management. While not a supervisor, provides general oversight of personnel assigned to support the project and coordinates functional leads on all project-related tasks and deliverables to meet timelines and ensure accuracy. Closing date: October 9, 2022.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Lead Attorney. Pendleton, OR. The position requires a mix of litigation, advising, negotiation, government-to-government consultation, legislative, and executive-level acuity and experience. The CTUIR is a self-governance tribe directly carrying out BIA and IHS functions pursuant to ISDEAA compacts. Open until filled.

The Federal Public Defender for the District of New Mexico

Assistant Federal Public Defender. Las Cruces, NM. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: managing an extensive caseload, developing litigation strategies, preparing pleadings, appearing in court at all stages of litigation, and meeting with clients, experts, witnesses, family members and others. Applicants must possess strong oral and written advocacy skills, have the ability to build and maintain meaningful attorney-client relationships, be team oriented but function independently in a large, busy office setting, and communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, the court and other agency personnel. Applications must be received by November 14, 2022.

Office of the Attorney General for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Staff Attorney. Choctaw, MS. Under the direction of the Tribe’s Attorney General, the Staff Attorney is responsible for providing general legal services to the tribal government. Please see position description for more information. This position closes 09/26/2022.

Yurok Tribe Office of the Tribal Attorney

Justice Policy Lead. Klamath, CA. Under the general supervision of the Prosecutor, the Justice Policy Lead will provide advocacy, legislative analysis, coalition-building and policy research around issues related to ending violence against Indigenous persons in Tribal communities, the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis, assertion of Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction, sovereignty issues related to Public Law 280 and/or the need to access systems to protect tribal sovereignty/members, and will serve as a liaison between the Office of the Tribal Prosecutor and elected member(s) of county, state or federal governmental agencies/bodies, advocacy organizations, and relevant departments of the Yurok Tribe. Applications closing October 21, 2022.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

RFP – Healthcare Compliance Consultation. Remote. Closing time for receipt: October 7th, 2022.

Homer Law Chartered

Associate Attorney. Washington, DC. Legal research and writing; Assisting with administrative hearings; Drafting regulations, policies, and procedures; Assisting with development of fee-to-trust applications; Advising on matters of compliance with federal and tribal laws and regulations; Reviewing contracts related to economic development matters; Tracking developments in case law, proposed rulemaking, and administrative policy related to tribal governments and/or federal Indian law and policy; and Responding to proposed rulemakings via the formal commenting process. Closing Date: Until filled.

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court

Chief Judge. Fountain Hills, AZ. Presides over criminal, civil and juvenile cases. Performs duties require the individual to exercise considerable independent judgement in managing the docket, ruling on motions and adjudicatory cases, conduct hearing and decide cases in a fair and impartial manner to the end of administering justice and maintaining the order of law. The Chief Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court pursuant the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Constitution, laws, ordinances and regulations, and applicable federal laws. Closing date: October 3, 2022.

Greater Yellowstone Coalition

Wind River Conservation Organizer. Ft. Washakie, WY. Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) seeks a Wind River Conservation Organizer to play a key role in major campaigns to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). The GYE is a remarkable natural landscape: home to a complete array of native wildlife, the headwaters of the west, an important place in the history of conservation, and of deep importance to Native Americans who have made this place home since time immemorial. The Wind River Conservation Organizer will work to build local capacity and to conserve the lands, waters, and wildlife on and around the Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR) within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Closing date open until filled, applicants will be reviewed beginning October 3, 2022.

Michigan State University College of Law

Professional Aide. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law seeks a temporary, full-time professional aide to work in the Dean’s Suite. This position will provide support for special projects related to our accrediting agency as well as special projects from the Dean’s Office. Deadline to apply is October 7, 2022.

Assistant/Associate Professor Tenure System. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law invites applications for full-time, entry-level, tenure-track faculty positions. Curricular needs include contracts and commercial law, family law, health care law and policy with an emphasis on inequities in public and private health care systems, race and the law, criminal law, trusts and estates, international law, and constitutional law. Open until filled.

Associate Professor – Tenure System. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law invites applications from entry-level or lateral candidates for the inaugural 1855 Professorship in the Law of Democracy. This full-time, tenure-system position will focus on legal inequities in the democratic process. Open until filled.

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Tenure System. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law seeks entry-level and lateral candidates with research and teaching interests related to Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, or the International Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples who will also affiliate with the Law College’s Indigenous Law and Policy Center. Open until filled.

Specialist – Teacher-Fixed Term. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law Special Projects Coordinator will teach in the Global Food Law Program, develop new areas of curricular needs, recruit instructors and an advisory board, develop a web blog and social media outreach plan, assist Advancement with fund-raising efforts as needed, and oversee the application for a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Open until filled.

Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General

Principal Tribal Court Advocate. Window Rock, AZ. Performs legal work related to representation of the Navajo Nation government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General, including legal research, negotiations, legal writing, drafting pleadings, briefs, memoranda, resolutions and other documents for the divisions, departments, or programs assigned. Child Support Enforcement: Present child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Participate in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; provide legal advice and case strategy. This position is open until filled.

Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, professionally represents the Nation in multiple water rights adjudications pending in state and federal courts, in state administrative water rights matters and in any settlement negotiations concerning the Nation’s water rights. The Principal Attorney works closely with technical staff within the Water Rights Unit Staff, Department of Water Resources and other programs within the Navajo Nation, and with consultants retained to provide technical support to the Nation or to serve as expert witnesses. The Principal Attorney provides legal advice on all water rights matters to the Office of the President and Vice President, the Office of the Speaker, the Navajo Nation council, and its committees and subcommittees and the Navajo Nation Water Rights commission (NNWRC) to ensure that the water rights of the Navajo Nation are effectively pursued and protected. This position is open until filled.

Principal Attorney. Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, represents the Navajo Nation government; Review documents, such as service contracts, sub-recipient and grant agreements, legislation, proposed policies, etc., for legal sufficiency. Participate in negotiations regarding legal documents/agreements with parties outside of the Navajo Nation. Respond to Request for Services and other legal inquiries from clients. Perform legal research and provide legal advice verbally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; and advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. This position is open until filled.

Senior Attorney (Tax and Finance Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Respond to Requests for Services and other legal inquiries from clients, particularly in the area of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and federal Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF). Perform legal research and provide legal advice orally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; as well as advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. Participate in Legislative Branch and Executive Branch meetings, including Standing Committee meetings and Council Sessions, regarding approval of FRF expenditure plans and the planning and implementation of FRF programs and projects, in order to respond to legal questions pertaining ARPA and the use of FRF. This position is open until filled.

Attorney (Litigation Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Legal work related to federal, Navajo Nation, and state court and administrative tribunal representation of the Navajo Nation Government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General of the Litigation Unit or the Office of the Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General, including legal research, pleading drafting, and settlement negotiation for Litigation Unit of the Department of Justice. Review of proposed disciplinary actions by Navajo Nation government programs for compliance with Navajo Nation Personnel Policies Manual and Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Drafting of proposed Navajo Nation legislation, regulations, and policies. Other duties as assigned. This position is open until filled.

Senior Programs and Projects Specialist. Window Rock, AZ. Under the supervision of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General will provide high level assistance to the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Justice (DOJ) with program/project management related to DOJ’s work with Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF) matters. Assists in analyzing, developing, and achieving short and long term goals and objectives; establishes performance criteria; and plans, evaluates and improves program delivery; Attends a variety of meetings related to FRF/ARPA; assists OAG with preparation for meetings and events; coordinates program activities and communications with other Navajo Nation offices and the general public. Administers FRF funding for DOJ in compliance with FRF and American Rescue Plan Act requirements, policies and procedures under federal and Navajo Nation law. Assists in development of budget. Assists with procurement of goods and services pertaining to DOJ’s FRF-related work; reviews contracts; troubleshoots issues with procurement and vendors; monitors expenditures; prepares funding reports. This position is open until filled.

Attorney (Human Services and Government Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, represents the Navajo Nation government in reviewing documents, such as services contracts, sub-recipient and grant agreements, legislation, proposed policies, etc., for legal sufficiency. Participates in negotiations regarding legal documents/agreements with parties outside of the Navajo Nation. Respond to Request for Services and other legal inquiries from clients. Perform legal research and provide legal advice verbally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; and advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. This position is open until filled.

Attorney Candidate. Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General, the Attorney General, or the Deputy Attorney General, provides legal direction to Navajo Nation Divisions, Departments and offices, regarding a wide range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory authority, contracts and procurement issues, and intergovernmental relations; Assists Attorneys; prepares and presents civil cases in tribal court and administrative bodies; confers and provides guidance, and prepares advisory opinions for assigned departments and branches of the government; prepares interpretations of new legislation and judicial decisions; reviews contracts, leases, permits and related documents; interviews witnesses, complainants, and others on a variety of legal matters; conducts legal research, prepares briefs, pleadings and other legal documents. This position is open until filled.

Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor

Prosecutor. Kayenta, AZ. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); research and study of litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases including appellate cases, reviews police, social service, and related reports/complaints, and other law enforcement documents and reports; prepares oral arguments, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; attends juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case, prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. Makes decisions in sensitive case and seeks assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled.

Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); research and study of litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases including appellate cases, reviews police, social service, and related reports/complaints, and other law enforcement documents and reports; prepares oral arguments, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; attends juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case, prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. Makes decisions in sensitive case and seeks assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled.

Senior Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code and present major and complex litigation in District and Family Courts. Reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; collaborates with law enforcement agencies; and negotiates settlement with opposing parties. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled.

Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled.

Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled.

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